Alex Bader
St. Paul, MINN -- On a cold, wet, and rainy Wednesday evening, Minnesota United beat Philadelphia Union by a score of 3-2, and the fans - who braved the weather all night - were treated to the 9th edition of singing Wonderwall this season.
In what was arguably United's best match of the season - at least in the last six games - the team finally looked like a playoff-capable team.
After a strong first half, both teams headed to the locker room with a goal. There was optimism among supporters.
Then, Union got an early goal in the second half to make it 1-2, in favor of the visitors.
The hope was gone.
After the Union goal, Adrian Heath, Head Coach for United, took off Ethan Finlay and brought on Robin Lod in the 61st minute.
Lod, made an immediate impact by scoring a goal two minutes after being subbed on, leveling the score 2-2.
Four minutes later, Franco Fragapane scored to put United in the lead. The stadium was electric - for good reason.
The Loons seemed like they were comfortably in control and on the way to their 12th win on the season. Then, it seemed like the Minnesota sports curse was going to strike down.
Roman Métanire, got a red card in the 77th minute. The Loons were down to 10 men for the second time this month.
Minnesota had a one-goal lead against a strong Philadelphia team - that was unbeaten in their last 6 - with 13 minutes to play and down a man.
You could almost hear the nerves among the fans.
Minnesota would need to depend on their defense and hope for a hero.
Tyler Miller stepped up as the hero and literally saved the day, making 8 stops - several in the final minutes - to help the Loons hang on for the 3-2 win.
Loons pick up 3 huge points, in a wild west conference.
BADER'S TAKE
Lod and Reynoso are key players.
Loons can win big games at home, but can they overcome the road struggles?
If you have followed the Loons this season, you know how important Lod and Reynoso are.
Lod came on and scored the tying goal two minutes later and was a catalyst for turning the tide of the game. Reynoso came away with two helpers including the beautiful backheel pass to Lod.
When they haven't been in the lineup, the Loons struggle to find anything going forward. If Minnesota wishes to make the playoffs, they will need Lod and Reynoso healthy.
Of their 12 wins, 9 have come at Allianz field. If they are to make the playoffs, they will need to find a way to win big games on the road.
While the game last evening was crucial to the playoff race, the last two away games against LA Galaxy and Vancouver will determine if the Loons are playing in the playoffs, or watching from home.
The western conference is incredibly tight, and points are crucial.
Only two points separate the Loons from a home playoff game. On the other hand, only two points separate a playoff spot, and the Loons
Loons have to find success away from Allianz, or they will be out of the playoffs. If they can find success, they might even have a playoff game at Allianz.
What's Next:
Minnesota United (6th 44 pts.) vs. LAFC (9th 40 pts.) Saturday (10/23) @7pm at Allianz Field.
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